Businessman Tried to Have Partner Killed

CHICAGO (CN) – A federal jury convicted a 63-year-old Des Plaines businessman of plotting to have his partner ambushed and killed at his home in a murder-for-hire scheme. Prosecutors said Robert Mandel wanted Konstantinos Antinou killed so Mandel could take over J&D Excavating and sell its equipment, which was worth around $800,000.

Mandel solicited an undercover informant to carry out the murder in August 2008 and offered the man a weapon. The Chicago Police Department and FBI then recorded several phone conversations in which he discussed the scheme. Mandel will be sentenced in July. He is being held without bond.